Unlinked anonymous HIV testing in population-based surveys in India

Citation

Abstract

The most recent National Family Health Survey (NFHS 3, 2005-2006) was the first population-based survey in India to collect HIVprevalence data from a representative sample of women and men (1). As in other population-based surveys aimed at estimatingnational HIV prevalence, the NFHS conducted voluntary, unlinked anonymous testing (UAT) (2, 3). Eligible individuals were readan informed consent statement including the information that they would not receive test results. Those consenting providedblood spot samples (1). Although HIV status could not be traced back to the individual, the data were linked to non-identifyinginformation from individuals such as educational attainment, household wealth, and behavioural factors to facilitate anexamination of the patterns and correlates of HIV infection.